Japan in Petals: Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto

Tokyo

Welcome to Japan!. Welcome to Tokyo! An English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will introduce you to your driver for a transfer back to your hotel.. Meet your driver for an enjoyable airport transfer with a private vehicle.

Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Tokyo (B) (Classy Room)

Tokyo

Witness the traditional side of Tokyo with your private guide as you explore iconic shrines and the charming Yanaka neighborhood. Begin at Meiji Jingu, the city’s most renowned Shinto shrine, dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Nestled within a serene forested enclave, the shrine often hosts traditional Japanese weddings—if the timing is right, you may catch a glimpse of a bride and groom in formal Shinto attire. From here, continue to Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s best-preserved shitamachi (old-town) districts. This nostalgic neighborhood survived the bombings of World War II and retains the feel of Tokyo from decades past. Stroll past wooden houses, family-run shops, and quiet lanes lined with cherry trees. Visit Nezu Shrine, known for its striking torii gate tunnel and deep historical roots, and stop by a small local museum that celebrates the area’s cultural heritage. Conclude with a private transfer to your accommodation.. After years of traveling to and from Japan, our Destination Experts all agree that when traveling to the other side of the globe, we all need some time at leisure to acclimate to the new time zone, a fast-paced city, and a different country, culture, and way of life. Take this day to explore the city at your own pace or rest at your accommodations and set off tomorrow fresh-faced and ready to take in the incredibly country that is Japan with your private guide along side. Please note: If you're the type to 'hit the ground running' when you travel, simply let your Destination Expert know and they will help you choose the best tour for the first, full day of your time abroad.

Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Tokyo (B) (Classy Room)

Tokyo

Embark on a private half day journey with your English-speaking guide and private driver, exploring the serene beauty and rich culture of Tokyo’s historic gardens and temples. Head to the serene Fukagawa district in eastern Tokyo, where you’ll explore two beautiful cultural gems. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the stunning Kiyosumi Teien Gardens, the first site to be designated a scenic beauty by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Dating back to 1721, these lush gardens are a serene escape, with vibrant seasonal blooms and a tranquil pond surrounded by carefully chosen stones. Afterward, take a walk through the charming residential district to the Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple, where you'll witness the mesmerizing goma-kito ceremony. Get an up-close view as the chief priest chants sutras and the rhythmic sound of taiko drums fills the air, adding to the powerful spiritual atmosphere of this unique and sacred experience. At the end of this enthralling journey, enjoy a relaxing drive back to your hotel, reflecting on the rich cultural experiences you've just encountered.. Discover the authentic flavors of Tokyo’s culinary scene with your private guide on an evening food experience in the lively Yurakucho neighborhood. Meet your guide at your hotel and travel by taxi to this atmospheric dining enclave tucked beneath the railway tracks in central Tokyo. Beneath the glow of paper lanterns and the hum of passing trains, explore a maze of narrow alleyways lined with long-standing izakaya and tiny eateries, each filled with the aromas of sizzling skewers and grilled seafood. Savor classic Japanese dishes paired with local drinks while your guide shares insights into Tokyo’s post-war food culture and the traditions that make Yurakucho a favorite gathering spot for locals after a long day at work. Conclude with a taxi transfer to your accommodation.

Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Tokyo (B) (Classy Room)

Tokyo, Hakone

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Tokyo in favor of a day in Hakone, the gateway to Japan’s tallest mountain Mt. Fuji and the surrounding national park. Your local guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and accompany you on your private drive from Tokyo. Spend the day exploring Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park , making use of your private vehicle as well as Hakone’s experiential forms of transport . Ride the world’s second-longest cable car up Mt. Owakudani, passing over sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers in this active volcanic area. Sample Hakone’s famous local treat, the black eggs of Owakudani. The eggs are hard-boiled in Hakone’s well-known sulfuric hot springs, and local legend has it that eating one of these eggs will add seven years to your life. Board a majestic pirate ship and sail across Lake Ashinoko, a lake formed by a volcanic eruption 3000 years ago. Throughout the day there is a chance to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, however, please keep in mind that she is a notoriously shy mountain and it needs to be a clear day.. Enjoy a hearty, traditional Japanese meal as part of the Ryokan experience, included in the cost of your tour. This will be artfully presented and served to you in the ryokan's dining room, as is the custom in Japan.

Accommodation: Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu (BD) (Maisonette Room with Open-Air Bath), Tokyo

Hakone, Kyoto

Meet your driver for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.. Relax on the scenic train from Hakone's Odawara station to Kyoto. The train ride is approximately 2 hours.. Meet your guide for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.. The Philosopher's Path is a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Approximately two kilometers long, the path begins around Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends in the neighborhood of Nanzenji. The path gets its name due to Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route on his dai ly commute to Kyoto University. There are many small temples and shrines to stop off along the walk. Visit Ginkakuji and Nanzenji in this tour.

Accommodation: Dhawa Yura (B) (Premier King), Hakone

Kyoto

Uncover the breathtaking natural beauty of bamboo groves and cultural landmarks in Arashiyama with a private guide on an immersive journey through the area. Meet your guide at the hotel and proceed by private transportation to reach the Arashiyama district. Begin with a stroll through the iconic bamboo groves, where towering bamboo stalks create an awe-inspiring atmosphere, with the peaceful Ōi River and mountains in the distance. Nearby, visit Nonomiya Shrine, a tranquil Shinto shrine nestled among the bamboo, offering a serene space for reflection. Continue to Okochi Mountain Villa, the former residence of a popular samurai film star, which features beautifully landscaped gardens and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Your final stop is Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto’s most significant temples. Founded in 1339 during the Muromachi Period, this grand temple is known for its stunning gardens, which provide a perfect setting for a peaceful walk through history and nature. Conclude with a private transfer to your accommodation.. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Accommodation: Dhawa Yura (B) (Premier King), Kyoto

Kyoto

Leave behind the city and drive approximately 45 minutes to Nara with your local guide and a private vehicle. Nara served as Japan’s capital for 74 years during the 8 th century and m any of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain. Visit Todaiji temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha. Next stop is Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 AD and famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns which have been donated by worshipers. Take a stroll through Nara Park, called Deer Park by locals due to the large population of more than 1,000 tame deer living there. On the way back from Nara, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which was used in the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”.  The 10,000 red tori gates form a path up the mountain behind the temple, and they are an iconic image of Japan. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Accommodation: Dhawa Yura (B) (Premier King), Kyoto

Kyoto, Osaka

Enjoy a transfer with a private driver from Kyoto to Osaka Kansai International Airport.